Citation for John Spiers
John has been a stalwart and active member, leader and former Chair of our club since joining in 2003. He is viewed as an “elder statesman” who is a perfect gentleman – always kind, inclusive, considerate to new riders and a mine of information on local history and churches as well as all aspects of bicycle repair. He has been known to ride in all weathers and is the cornerstone our Easy Saturday rides,which are often the first contact new riders have with the Club. I heartily recommend him for this award, to recognise his long-term dedication and service to the Club and to Winchester cycling. So many of us did our first ever Club ride with John! The account of his active role in the Club since 2003 below demonstrates this service and I have included below just a few of the warm comments and memories of riding with John from my fellow riders.
Sarah Lee – Winchester CTC Secretary
John has been a local member since 2003, initially as a member of the Winchester Section within South Hampshire DA and since 2013 as a member of the newly-formed member group Winchester CTC. During this period, Winchester CTC has become a very successful group, winning the Cycling UK local group award in 2019.
John has been and still is a regular rider on club rides where he has contributed his considerable skills as club rider, leader and mechanic. In addition, he is always willing to help new and regular members alike, making sure that nobody is left behind and will also accompany any rider who for whatever reason is struggling on a ride.
Right from the outset, John has always been willing to contribute to the running of the group and was the Chairman of South Hampshire DA when the two groups decided to split into Winchester CTC and Southampton CTC in 2013. His diplomatic skills during this period were crucial in ensuring that the split was amicable and proceeded without a hitch.
John became chairman of Winchester CTC when it formed in 2013 and remained on the committee for many years in a range of roles, including as the coordinator of the Saturday Easy Rides Group. He remains a valued leader. John is also a great conversationalist, entertaining riders with his knowledge and anecdotes on a range of subjects, particularly military.
John has participated in many of the holidays enjoyed by Winchester CTC, including Somerset, Normandy and Giessen (Winchester’s twin town in Germany), when he drove the van with the bikes and riders to and from Germany.
I wholeheartedly recommend John for this Cycling UK award.
Sue Coles (former Chair and Secretary)
John was the leader on my first ever club ride and this reflects the key role he has played in leading the Saturday easy paced rides. John often volunteers to lead three or more such rides per month and when he is away we often struggle to find leaders for these rides. So he has been crucial in maintaining a vital pathway for new riders to join us who work during the week.
Kate Criswick – Rides Co-ordinator
In August 2016 I joined my first Tuesday CTC ride. I’d borrowed a friend’s road bike and set off for an ambitious 36 mile ride in the direction of Alton (prior to this I had only cycled a maximum of 20 miles on a mountain bike).
By the time we reached Ovington I struggled to cycle up my first real hill and John rode with me offering encouragement. Throughout the day John continued to accompany me and tried to distract me from my pain on various hills by telling me all about combine harvesters and other farm vehicles.
Therefore I have John to thank for the completion of my first ride leading to the last 8 years of enjoyable club riding.
Jane Mossman – Ride leader
When I first started riding with Winchester CTC, one of my earliest rides was an Easy Saturday afternoon ride led by John Spier. Those who know John will know he has a strong interest in churches. This particular ride took place on Ride and Stride Day, when churches open their doors to the public. During the ride we stopped at St Mary’s Church on Worthy Road, then St Mary’s Church in Easton, and finally finished at St Cross Church. At each of these churches, John gave us a brief talk about its history. The afternoon ended with afternoon tea in the grounds of the Hospital St Cross.
John continues to encourage our new riders and many of us did our first ride with him and have gained so much more fitness and confidence after our early rides with him.
Tessa Valentine – Winchester CTC Chair
This would be a very well-deserved award for John and I echo what others have said. John was also very helpful on a trip I took to France (the La Have region).
Martyn Wilson – Ride leader